Method: Twelve NiTi closed-coil spring with 9 mm length and 0,010” lumen diameter (Morelli®, Brasil) were divided into four groups (n=3) and immersed in 7ml of Deionized Water (G1), Listerine - Johnson&Johnson (G2), Oral-B - P&G (G3) and Plax - Colgate (G4) for 90min. Mouthwash immersed groups were washed in deionized water and dried. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) were used to characterize the effects on chemical composition of the springs. Nickel (Ni), Titanium (Ti) and Carbon (C) were analyzed.
Result: According to ANOVA and Tukey’s tests (p<0.05) Carbon (C) in Oral-B mouthwash group had statistically significant decrease. No else significant differences were found.
Conclusion: These in-vitro results suggest that the use of Listerine and Plax cannot be acknowledged as one possible reason for the degradation of the surface and chemical properties of nickel-titanium closed coil springs in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment.